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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2019-03-13 44 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, March 13, 2019 4:30 PM City Council Chambers 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Cathedral City, CA 92234 • CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 4:30 PM by Mayor Mark Carnevale. • ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Mark Carnevale Mayor Present 4:30 PM John Aguilar Mayor Pro Tern Present 4:30 PM Raymond Gregory Councilmember Present 4:30 PM Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 4:30 PM • AGENDA FINALIZATION • STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY CLERK 1. PUBLIC COMMENT No member of the public wished to address the City Council. 2. STUDY SESSION A. Biennial Budget Overview Presentation Recommendation: This item is presented for information and discussion only. Tami Scott, Administrative Services Director, introduced the item and gave an overview on the budget and the budget preparation process. She presented the municipal budget, critical budget considerations, provided the vision, budget principals, summary, biennial budget prep timeline, biennial budget workbook, and biennial budget activities. She also gave a brief overview on the computer aided dispatch replacement and fees, and the replacement cost for vehicles. B. Update on Council Goals for 2018 Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only. Charles McClendon, City Manager, introduced the item and gave an update on the completed, ongoing, and uncompleted City Council goals of 2018. He proposed bringing back the K-12 funding program to the City Council in the fall for discussion and direction. Councilmember Raymond Gregory stated that he would like the goal of using the Cathedral City High School swimming pool for public use to be moved to ongoing goals until it is completed. Mayor Pro Tem John Aguilar stated that the City Council has already made a commitment to the community to provide a public pool and he would like to keep moving forward on it. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez stated that he feels the cost to use the Cathedral City High School pool is very high and he would like to look for other avenues to have a public pool for the community to use. It was the consensus of the City Council to move the goal of using the Cathedral City High School swimming pool for public use to ongoing goals until it is completed, continue with the sister city program, and discuss the K-12 funding program in the fall. C. Economic Development 2019 Strategic Plan Recommendation: This item was continued from the February 27, 2019 meeting, and is presented for information and discussion only. Stone James, Economic Development Director, introduced the item and gave an overview of the Economic Development 2019 Strategic Plan. He presented the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats/challenges, strategic priority, internal economic development partners, external economic development partners, near term strategies, long term strategies, and the next steps. Mayor Mark Carnevale believes that properties in Cathedral City have lower rent and it is a more year-round city with working families, compared to other areas. He inquired about the density and building in the City and whether it is an issue for builders. Mr. James indicated that the City is promoting the most appropriate density possible. D. 1,000 Tree Initiative Recommendation: A target goal outlined by the City Council is to have 1,000 new trees planted within the City. Staff will present the City Council options and ideas on how to achieve this goal. Presentation is being made for City Council discussion, comments and direction. John Corella, Director of Engineering and Public Works, introduced the item and Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 5/15/2019 gave an overview on the 1,000 Tree Initiative. He presented the benefits to having trees, the potential locations, and the plan to accomplish the goal. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez expressed concerned with the maintenance of the trees and the cost associated with it. Mayor Pro Tem John Aguilar suggested educating the community and outreach to help maintain the trees and he also suggested looking into organizations such as The Tree People, which could help plant or provide funding for trees. Charles McClendon, City Manager, stated that the City can incorporate trees into some City projects, but the City will need to get the community involved to accomplish the goal of 1,000 trees. E. Update on Date Palm Entry Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only. John Corella, Director of Engineering and Public Works, provided an update on the Date Palm Entry. He also presented information on 30th Avenue to Ramon Road, 1-10 Interchange, tribal properties east side, median area, and private properties west side. He gave a brief explanation on the process of undergrounding utilities and indicated that the City is working on a proposed project to mitigate the flooding challenges. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez requested information on the cost for undergrounding utilities for private property owners. He proposed finding a way to help property owners with the cost of undergrounding utilities. He also requested information on the current flooding issues on Date Palm. He indicated that this area is not in his district, however, he cares about the entire City. Mayor Pro Tem John Aguilar thanked John for his presentation and recommendations. Although he wants to remain business friendly, he stated that there are a lot of code compliance issues with signage that he would like staff to look into. Councilmember Raymond Gregory thanked John Corella for all his work. He believes this is a good start and is encouraged to see that there are plans to move forward. He agrees that there are drainage issues throughout the City and he thanked staff for moving forward with addressing these issues. 3. CLOSED SESSION Eric Vail, City Attorney announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the following Agenda items. A. Conference with Real Property Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8. Property Location: Approximately 13.5 acres south of East Palm Canyon Drive at Date Palm Drive Negotiating Parties: City of Cathedral City as the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency and the City Urban Revitalization Corporation Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 5/15/2019 Property Owner: City Urban Revitalization Corporation Under Negotiations: Price and Terms for potential sale of real property B. Conference with Legal Counsel -Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2). Number of Potential Cases: Two The City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 6:21 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 6:30 p.m. City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the Council met in Closed Session and discussed Item 38. Conference with Legal Counsel for anticipated litigation, two cases, there was no reportable action taken. He indicated that item 3A. Conference with Real Property Negotiator for approximately 13.5 acres south of East Palm Canyon Drive at Date Palm, will be heard during the Regular Meeting and will be reflected in the minutes of March 13, 2019. ADJOURN Mayor Mark Carnevale adjourned the Study Session Meeting of March 13, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. /1 AA oOS A/ '!2 ,CA Mayo City of Ca edral City City Clerk, Utty ot qathedral City Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 5/15/2019 44 CITY COUNCIL Cathedral City MINUTES Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 13, 2019 6:30 PM City Council Chambers 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Cathedral City, CA 92234 • CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Mayor Mark Carnevale. • PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tern John Aguilar led the Pledge of Allegiance. • INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION) Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez offered the Invocation. • ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Mark Carnevale Mayor Present 6:30 PM John Aguilar Mayor Pro Tern Present 6:30 PM Raymond Gregory Councilmember Present 6:30 PM Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 6:30 PM • AGENDA FINALIZATION • STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY CLERK 1. PUBLIC COMMENT Becki Robinson, Cathedral City, was called to speak. She indicated that there is a missing stop sign in the parking lot located at Dinah Shore and Date Palm that needs to be addressed. She inquired about the sculpture that is supposed to be located at Ramon Road and Landau. She expressed her concern with the Buxton Analytical. Joe Wallace, CEO of CVEP, was called to speak. He gave an update to the City Council on their efforts to help Cathedral City and the Coachella Valley. Their mission is to diversify the economy in the Valley and to move away from businesses that shut down in the summer and move towards businesses that pay thriving wages. They are assisting businesses and the community through their business workshops, technology infrastructure group, and business and technology education workforce. He thanked the City Council for their support. Allen Worthy, Palm Springs resident, was called to speak. He encouraged the City Council to approve a settlement to him and his family. He stated that he saw the Pickford commercial, and he thinks it is superb. He also stated that talented kids come from Cathedral City. Simeon Den, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He reported on the Agnes Pelton Museum Day event and thanked Council Member Raymond Gregory for attending. He indicated that they have been able to bring international attention to Cathedral City through their house. He explained the importance of not re-writing our history and the need to do an accurate accounting of it. He announced that the Cathedral City High School Choir will hold a car wash next Saturday and he encouraged everyone to participate. Paul Marchand, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He recited portions of the constitution and encouraged everyone to consider constitutional order. He stated that he felt scorned at the last meeting and he encouraged apologies. 2. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Raymond Gregory reported he participated in the City Hall at your Corner, several people attended and there was great discussion. On Friday he participated in the Dr. Seuss Reading Day where he was able to read to a 3rd grade class. He believes those children will make our future bright. On March 4, 2019, he participated with several volunteers to touch up the paint on the rainbow crossing, and he thanked those who participated. On March 5, 2019, he attended the State of the City, and the Mayor did a wonderful job. On March 9, 2019, he attended the Date Palm Country Club Citizen's on Patrol pancake breakfast. It was an opportunity for the residents to mingle and for him to hear concerns from residents on the south side of town. He attended the California League of Cities meeting in Desert Hot Springs on March 11, 2019, which was a very interesting event, he was happy to participate. He attended the Riverside County Transportation Commission meeting where the hot topic was call boxes. He expressed the importance of Cathedral City getting their fair share of funding. Tomorrow he will be leaving to go to Sacramento to attend the LGBTQ Leadership Academy, which he is happy to attend to represent the City. Mayor Pro Tem John Aguilar announced that on April 26, 2019, the Cathedral City Community Coalition Committee will be hosting a free workshop seminar. Elmer Diaz is organizing the event and he thanked him for his efforts. He announced that he is on the Board of Directors for the Shelter from the Storm. On April 24, 2019, they are holding a fundraiser where you can download a certificate on their website to present at Ruby's Diner. You will receive a 20% discount and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the shelter. He also announced that on May 15-18, 2019, Neighborhood USA is hosting their annual conference in Palm Springs; they Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 5/22/2019 rarely get to this part of the state and encouraged those who are interested to attend. He announced that he is excited to be participating as Principal for a day at James Workman Middle School on Friday. Mayor Mark Carnevale reported that he attended the Date Palm Country Club Annual Citizens on Patrol pancake breakfast. He also attended the Lift to Rise meeting where the topic was a valley wide housing policy. He stated their plan is to build 10,000 affordable homes over the next 10 years. He plans to attend more of their meetings in the future. He reported that he will also be attending the Desert Recreation District tour, City Hall at Your Corner and the Realtors Meeting on March 20, 2019. He stated he is looking forward to participating as Principal for a day at Cathedral City High School. 3. CONSENT AGENDA RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor AYES: Mark Carnevale, John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Ernesto Gutierrez A. Minutes Approval 1. City Council - Study Session - Jan 23, 2019 4:30 PM 2. City Council - Regular Meeting -Jan 23, 2019 6:30 PM 3. City Council - Special Meeting -Jan 25, 2019 5:00 PM 4. City Council - Special Meeting -Jan 26, 2019 8:00 AM M.O. 2019-27 B. Accept Resignation of Bill Schroeder from the Architectural Review Committee Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council accept the resignation of Bill Schroeder from the Architectural Review Committee effective March 30, 2019 and direct staff to proceed with filling the vacant seat. M.O. 2019-55 C. Final Tract Map No. 37354, Final Planned Unit Development No. 17-001 and Subdivision Agreement for Jones Cree Ventures East, LLC. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Final Map of Tract 37354; accept the dedication of Lot"A" (Carey Road) and Lot "R" (Jones Road) for street easement purposes, subject to their improvement; and, accept the offers of dedication of the easements for drainage, public utilities, and emergency ingress and egress as shown on the map; and, approve the Subdivision Agreement for Tract 37354 and authorize its execution by the Mayor and City Clerk; approve the Agreement for the Security Deposit for setting monuments and authorize its execution by the City Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 5/22/2019 Manager; and approve Final Planned Unit Development No. 17-001. M.O. 2019-28 D. Adopt a resolution accepting portions of Jones Road and Cree Road into the City maintained street system. Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council adopt a Resolution accepting the portions of Jones Road and Cree Road described in the Grant of Easement recorded on August 3, 1989, into the City maintained street system. Reso 2019-03 4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS A. Calling a Special All-mail Ballot Election to be held, Tuesday, August 27, 2019, Requesting Riverside County Provide Election Services and Establishing Regulations for Filing an Optional Candidate Statement Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council adopt a Resolution calling and giving notice of a Special Mail Ballot Election to be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, for the election of one Council Member for District 1 to fill the Vacancy resulting from the passing of Gregory S. Pettis; and requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Riverside to consolidate with the special all-mail ballot election to be held on that same date pursuant to Elections Code 10403. It is further recommended that the City Council adopt a Resolution establishing regulations for candidates for elective office pertaining to materials submitted to the voters at an election to be held on August 27, 2019. Paul Marchand, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He is pleased to see this item moving forward. He congratulated three members of the Council for doing the right thing and he encouraged the City Council to vote yes. Edward Holzhauer was called to speak. He applauded the efforts of the City Council to move forward with a special election. He stated that he has been harassed on Facebook and has been called a thug for expressing his freedom of speech. He has the utmost respect for the City Council and he thanked the Council for allowing him to express his freedom of speech. A motion was made to approve the recommendation that City Council adopt a Resolution calling and giving notice of a Special Mail Ballot Election to be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, for the election of one Council Member for District 1 to fill the Vacancy resulting from the passing of Gregory S. Pettis; and requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Riverside to consolidate with the special all-mail ballot election to be held on that same date pursuant to Elections Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 5/22/2019 Code 10403. It is further recommended that the City Council adopt a Resolution establishing regulations for candidates for elective office pertaining to materials submitted to the voters at an election to be held on August 27, 2019. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez stated that appointing someone from district one will save the City a lot of money. He made a substitute motion to appoint Rita Lamb to fill the vacant seat on Council. The maker of the motion did not concur so the substitute motion failed. Reso 2019-04 and Reso 2019-05 RESULT: APPROVED [3 TO 1] MOVER: John Aguilar, Mayor Pro Tem SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember AYES: Mark Carnevale, John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory NAYS: Ernesto Gutierrez B. Update on Desert Community Energy (DCE) Status Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction to the City's DCE Board Representative. Charles McClendon, City Manager introduced the item. Kim Floyd, Palm Desert resident and Sierra Club Volunteer, was called to speak. He stated that the Sierra Club is in support of the Desert Community Energy and studies show that there is local support for clean energy. He stated that the residents will have a choice to opt out of the program and stay with Edison if they choose to. Elmer Diaz, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He stated that he is a supporter of Community Choice Aggregation but not as it exists now. He would like clarification on the 100% renewable energy and how it is guaranteed. He also requested information on what jobs will be created and what training will be provided. He stated that the CVAG bylaws allow for the creation of an advisory committee and he supports the formation of such committee. Alan Carvalho, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He expressed concern about the recent comments and accusations made about Shelley Kaplan. Rosario Avila, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. She stated that things are going on with a government board that residents don't know anything about and she is here to raise awareness. She expressed concern on savings that were promised to the community and feels the residents need to be protected. She feels that there was a Brown Act Violation approving a contract to approve the Survey. She inquired on the citizen's oversight committee. She encouraged the City to follow the example of Palm Desert and wait on moving forward. Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 5/22/2019 Tom Kirk, Executive Director of CVAG, gave an update on the Desert Community Energy status. He stated that the primary goal of the DCE is to offer a choice to the community. He provided an overview on the options and time frames for moving forward and discussed establishing a Community Advisory Committee. He announced their next meeting will be held on Monday, March 18, 2019, at the CVAG offices and it is open to the public. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez stated that the lower prices promised never materialized. He would like the residents to have a choice to opt into the program rather than having to opt out. He does not believe the survey was an accurate representation of the resident in the community and he feels there is a lack of education for the Spanish speaking residents. He feels the residents are being pushed into the program rather than having a choice. He supports waiting on moving forward on this program. He thanked Rosario Avila for all her efforts. Councilmember Raymond Gregory stated that the primary goal of going with the DCE was to save money for the residents of Cathedral City. He is not opposed to waiting to move forward, however, he is opposed to automatically enrolling the residents into the program. He supports the residents having a choice to opt in if they want to. Mayor Mark Carnevale stated he has concerns with the exit fees and committing the entire city to this program. He stated that Southern California Edison has programs available and he would like to wait on moving forward. Mayor Pro Tem John Aguilar stated his recommendation would be to stay in DCE and continue to monitor the issues and provide further information and feedback to the City Council and the community as things evolve. Speaker (he did not disclose his name or place of residence), suggested forming an advisory committee for the DCE and they could help with disseminating information to the residents related to the DCE and the available options. It was the consensus of the City Council to wait on moving forward and monitor the issue. C. The Black Party at the Barracks Bar Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council approve Special Use Permit 19-008 for the Black Party event at the Barracks Bar on April 27, 2019. Chris Parman, Communications and Events Manager, introduced the item and gave an overview of the upcoming Black Party at the Barracks Bar. Alan Carvalho, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He stated that he has attended this event in the past and he is happy the City supports diversity. He is grateful for the City Council's support. Kevin Winter, Owner of the Barracks Bar was called to speak. He thanked the City Council for their suppport. Cathedral City Page 6 Printed on 5/22/2019 M.O. 2019-29 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember AYES: Mark Carnevale, John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Ernesto Gutierrez D. Report from the Mayor Greg Pettis Lasting Memorial Committee Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council accept the recommendation of the Memorial Committee and name the Fountain of Life and the Rainbow Crosswalk in honor of Mayor Greg Pettis. Charles McClendon, City Manager, introduced the item and gave an overview of the recommendation to name the Fountain of Life and the Rainbow Crosswalk in honor of Mayor Greg Pettis. Paul Marchand, Cathedral City, was called to speak. He stated that former Mayor Greg Pettis was a good friend and his political mentor. He concurs with the recommendation with one change, he would like the City Council to consider naming the Campanile in honor of former Mayor Greg Pettis as well. Alan Carvalho, Chairman of the Public Arts Commission, was called to speak. He supports the recommendation and he thanked the Committee for making the recommendation. He thinks it is an incredible tribute to former Mayor Greg Pettis and he thanked the City Council. Councilmember Raymond Gregory thanked those on the Council who helped with this process. He believes there are several people in the City that should be honored, and it is something we should begin discussing. He feels this recommendation is very appropriate and he gladly supports the recommendation to honor former Mayor Greg Pettis. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez stated that celebrating the life of former Mayor Greg Pettis is a great thing. He would like to leave space to honor more individuals in the future. Mayor Mark Carnevale stated that Greg Pettis was his friend and he knows he would be proud. He proposed that the Public Arts Commission do more crosswalks around the Community. He agrees with Council Member Raymond Gregory that there are many people that should be honored and recognized, and he would like to see a process and structure to achieve this. M.O. 2019-30 Cathedral City Page 7 Printed on 5/22/2019 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John Aguilar, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember AYES: Mark Carnevale, John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Ernesto Gutierrez E. Authorize funding for emergency repairs as a result of stormwater damage at the Date Palm Drive Bridge and the Cathedral Canyon Drive low water crossing. Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council authorize a General Fund appropriation for emergency repair work on the Date Palm Bridge channel protection and at the Cathedral Canyon Drive low water crossing resulting from the February 14, 2019 storm; and, authorize the City Manager to execute all contracts and purchase orders for the repair work. John Corella, Director of Engineering and Public Works, introduced the item and gave an overview on the recommendation to authorize funding for emergency repairs as a result of stormwater damage at the Date Palm Drive Bridge and the Cathedral Canyon Drive low water crossing. Mr. Corella stated that the two southbound lanes will be restored to make Cathedral Canyon an operable road. He stated that speed limits will be adjusted, and it will be safe. Councilmember Raymond Gregory asked for clarification on the temporary fix on the southbound lanes. He stated that he does not want to see money or time wasted and he would like the City to recuperate any cost to have the road rebuilt if possible and make sure all scenarios are evaluated. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez asked for clarification on the temporary fix and the cost associated with it. Mayor Mark Carnevale asked for information on the safety of the temporary fix and the changes in speed limits. Paul Marchand, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He stated that he supports the process and feels that there needs to be a real bridge on Cathedral Canyon. He expressed concern that while interim repairs are underway, there should be some thought given to active traffic measures at Paseo Real and Cathedral Canyon. Sonja Marchand, Cathedral City, was called to speak. She has counted a total of 15 traffic lights on Date Palm from Vista Chino to East Palm Canyon Drive. She stated that the congestion on Date Palm is horrendous due to the closing of Cathedral Canyon and she urged the Council to move as fast as they can to get the temporary fix underway. She believes it is also time to step it up and get the new bridge done. M.O. 2019-31 Cathedral City Page 8 Printed on 5/22/2019 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John Aguilar, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember AYES: Mark Carnevale, John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Ernesto Gutierrez 7. CLOSED SESSION Eric Vail, City Attorney announced that the City Council met in Closed Session during the Study Session portion of the meeting to discuss item 78 and is reflected in the Study Session minutes of March 13, 2019. The City Council will meet in Closed Session during the Regular Meeting of March 13, 2019 to discuss Item 7A. A. Conference with Real Property Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8. Property Location: Approximately 13.5 acres south of East Palm Canyon Drive at Date Palm Drive Negotiating Parties: City of Cathedral City as the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency and the City Urban Revitalization Corporation Property Owner: City Urban Revitalization Corporation Under Negotiations: Price and Terms for potential sale of real property B. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2). Number of Potential Cases: Two The City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 8:29 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 8:33 p.m. Eric Vail, City Attorney announced that the City Council met in Closed Session and discussed item 7A. Conference with Real Property Negotiator for approximately 13.5 acres south of East Palm Canyon Drive at Date Palm Drive, there was no reportable action taken. ADJOURN Mayor Mark Carnevale adjourned the Regular Meeting of March 13, 2019 at 8:33 p.m. �.. _� Am.... May , City o thedral City City Clerk,t. ity of C.thedral Cit Cathedral City Page 9 Printed on 5/22/2019